Djed Spence Becomes First Muslim to Play for England at the FIFA World Cup
- First Muslim to play for England’s senior men’s team (2025)
- First Muslim to play for England at a men’s World Cup (2026)
- Helped England reach the 2026 World Cup semi-finals
Djed Spence, a Tottenham Hotspur full-back, has become the first Muslim player to represent England’s senior men’s team and the first to appear for England at a FIFA World Cup.
A Historic Call-Up
Spence received his first England call-up on 29 August 2025. He made his debut on 9 September 2025, coming on as a substitute for Reece James in a 5-0 win over Serbia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
On receiving his cap from captain Harry Kane, Spence said: “It’s a blessing, it’s amazing. I was surprised, really, first ever. I don’t have the words.”
World Cup Milestone
Spence was named in England’s 26-man World Cup squad on 22 May 2026. He made his tournament debut as a substitute in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia on 17 June, coming close to scoring after being introduced with around 10 minutes left.
He then started at left-back in England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana on 23 June, playing 66 minutes before being substituted. He came on again as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Panama, England’s final group match.
In the round of 32, Spence started at right-back as England beat DR Congo 2-1 to reach the last 16. England went on to beat Mexico 3-2 in the last 16, then beat Norway to reach the World Cup semi-final on 11 July 2026.
A photo of Spence performing an Islamic prayer after England’s win over Norway has been widely shared as a symbol of diversity within the national team.
Spence has said: “First things first, God is the greatest. I pray a lot. I give gratitude to God. In the toughest moments of my life, the darkest moments, I’ve always believed that God has always been by my side.”
